WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Nearly two dozen students from Pennsylvania College of Technology jump-started their careers by securing a key industry certification related to computer-aided design.
The 22 students – representing six majors from the School of Engineering Technologies – passed the SolidWorks Certified Associate exam and obtained SolidWorks CSWA Certification. SolidWorks is a prominent solid modeling computer-aided design and engineering program used in manufacturing industries worldwide.
“Passing the exam demonstrates a level of proficiency with SolidWorks that can give potential employers confidence in who they are hiring,” said Craig A. Miller, instructor and department head of engineering and industrial design technology. “Certification helps give our students an advantage when competing with graduates from other institutions for employment.”
The comprehensive test required students to tackle a series of solid modeling, drawing and assembly problems with the software. They had 3 hours and 20 minutes to complete the exam.
“It is most rewarding to see a student come into your classroom as a freshman without any knowledge of CAD software and after two semesters acquire a skill set that allows them to pass the CSWA exam,” Miller said.
The following individuals passed the test:
David J. Cadden, West Chester; Grant W. Coombes, Mount Wolf; Kevin T. Damico, Downingtown; Courtney J. Feese, New Berlin; Brian J. Hansen, Greencastle; Abigail J. Larson, Saegertown; Austin L. Maurer, Waynesboro; Shane J. Scanlan, Beech Creek; Jon C. Shimmel, Palmerton; Brent E. Taylor, Hughesville; and Nick Yoder, Huntingdon. All are majoring in engineering design technology.
Industrial design students: Michael Abdalov, Paw Paw, West Virginia; Dan J. Allen, Blandon; Jon Ditto, Monroeville; and Kenni E. Powell, Linden.
Engineering CAD technology students: Alissa C. Aldinger, Montoursville; Henry Geiger, Radnor; and Jonah M. Wood, Lititz.
Manufacturing engineering technology students: Dakota C. Harrison, Lewisberry; and Ethan S. Rhodes-O’Brien, Mechanicsburg.
Robert J. Swart, Montrose, majoring in plastics and polymer engineering technology, and welding and fabrication engineering technology student Dakota J. Walls, Selinsgrove, also earned the certification.
“The students’ achievements validate our work and give us confidence that our programs are preparing students for employment within industry,” Miller said.
Information about majors offered by Penn College’s School of Engineering Technologies is available by calling 570-327-4520 or visiting www.pct.edu/et.
For more on Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, visit www.pct.edu, email admissions@pct.edu or call toll-free 800-367-9222.